THIS newspaper, many times in the past, had cause to highlight, in this very Editorial column, the sexual onslaught on Guyana’s young children. That this has been an ongoing commentary is because we recognise that this brutal perversity is at the level of epidemic status, as borne out by the frequent cases of persons charged before the Courts for this abhorrent offence.With every such case that is publicised, it only serves to underline the reality that the sexual monsters in all their deviant forms, are alive and well, while continuing to feast on the innocence of our young.

And again, we are cruelly reminded of this crime that places its growing list of perpetrators outside the pale of humanity, by the recent media report of an elderly man, recently brought before the Court on an allegation of “sexually penetrating a nine year-old girl.”

This particular felony, perhaps the darkest human perversity imaginable, definitely has no age barrier, since the ages of its felons have been recorded from young teens to even those who are octogenarians.

Sadly and disappointingly, it casts the eye on the male, and his given social role, which traditionally is about protecting his family, particularly nurturing his children with love, guiding them along life’s challenging pathways, while being a good provider. It is from this male figure from which life values and moral principles are generally observed and replicated by the young brood, and become their beacon guide.
But is this still the case? Is the male father figure still that embodiment of sternness, but who is still revered as loving? Of course there are many exemplary males and fathers who are unimpeachable in their impeccable morals, and to whom their daughters, female relatives and any female can admire and respect, and be assured of protection while in their presence. There are definite doubts as to this status quo, based on our local experience.

Referring to a period, say, as from the dawn of the new Millennium, the numerous reported cases of sexual violence committed against daughters, granddaughters, nieces, and other female family relations have placed the male unequivocally in the category of sexual predator. And this is supported by the high percentage of such charges against males, as per the High Court listings for trial.
It is said that what is being reported in the media is just the tip of the iceberg. This is a perception that may be undisputed, because of two reasons; beginning with the fact that due to the beastly nature of the very offence, and the fact that it is often committed either within the domain of the family, or by relatives/persons close to the family, and the well known decision of not wanting to publicise same, coupled with the fact that the ‘cheque book strategy’ of ‘silencing’ the victim is often employed.
It is the cardinal rule that a person is innocent until found guilty, and we are not here, in any way, suggesting or concluding that the septuagenarian now before the court is guilty as alleged. He will have his day in court, where his fate will be decided. However, it is a fact that senior aged males have been charged, found guilty and convicted for this dastardly act of child sexual abuse; while others are in the habit of committing such a crime, but are not exposed because of the reasons cited above.
We wonder what examples such male elders are leaving for their younger counterparts. This criminality of sexual perversity is a most horrible self-degrading of man, determined by his own beastly, distorted and pervasive understanding of himself, descending into the pits of inhumanity. This is man on par with, and even worse than, the beasts.
But, is this how man should be? This is an urgent question that ought to be addressed by all those within the male category that had once been accused of such an offence and convicted in addition to those currently awaiting trial.